Rep. Bryant Clark

Maddy summaryHB 541 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund Holmes County Consolidated School District's construction of a football stadium, related facilities, and land purchase. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, would be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds transferred to a special fund for the school district's use. If state appropriations fall short, the State Treasurer would cover bond payments using unappropriated treasury funds. This bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism for a single school project without altering broader state budget processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1857 appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for renovations and upgrades at Holmes County State Park in Lexington during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly funds physical improvements to the park, affecting its facilities and operations. It provides a one-time state funding allocation without altering park policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have provided $6 million from the Mississippi State General Fund to Yazoo County's Board of Supervisors to cover costs for replacing the Lake George Bridge during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funding was intended to directly support Yazoo County's infrastructure project for the bridge replacement. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted. It contained no policy changes beyond the state funding allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 534 authorizes the state to issue general obligation bonds to fund the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new student housing building and related facilities at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). The bonds, backed by the full faith and credit of Mississippi, will be sold to raise capital, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated fund managed by the State Bond Commission. This legislation directly affects MVSU students and the university by providing new housing infrastructure, though it does not change current tuition or housing policies. The state guarantees repayment from its treasury if needed, and bond terms follow standard state procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1863 proposed a $150,000 state appropriation from the General Fund to the Town of Goodman, Mississippi, to cover street repairs and water/sewer infrastructure costs for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill would have provided direct funding to Goodman’s local officials for essential public infrastructure maintenance. It included standard state payment procedures, requiring warrants from the State Fiscal Officer. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1861 would have provided $150,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Lexington to cover street repair and paving costs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directly affected Lexington's city authorities, who would have used the funds to maintain local streets. It contained no new policy or regulations - only a one-time state appropriation for existing city infrastructure needs. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1859 would have provided $250,000 from the state general fund to the Holmes County Heritage and Cultural Foundation to cover construction costs for Hazel Brannon Smith Memorial Park in Lexington. The park, intended to honor Hazel Brannon Smith (a Holmes County journalist and 1964 Pulitzer Prize winner for editorial writing), would be an outdoor memorial with exhibits. The bill specified that state funds would be paid via the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. However, the bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 544 creates refundable income tax credits for Mississippi residents related to child care. Low-income families with children attending qualifying child care centers (as defined by the state's voluntary program) can claim up to $750 per child for expenses. Child care centers themselves, their teachers, and directors also qualify for credits based on center type and size (ranging from $500-$1,000 per qualifying child or employee). All credits are refundable, meaning recipients can receive cash payments even if they don’t owe income tax, with eligibility limited to families earning under 400% of the federal poverty level.

Maddy summaryHB 535 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund repairs and renovations of campus buildings and facilities at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). The bill directly affects MVSU by providing state-funded capital for its infrastructure upgrades, with repayment backed by the full faith and credit of the state. Key mechanisms include the State Bond Commission managing the bond issuance process, sale, and disbursement of funds into a dedicated special account, and requiring state treasury funds to cover any payment shortfalls if legislative appropriations are insufficient. The bond proceeds must be used solely for the specified campus improvements at MVSU.

Maddy summaryHB 542 appropriates $300,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Holmes County Consolidated School District for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funds cover the direct costs of consolidating two existing school districts into a single countywide district, as required by Mississippi law (Section 37-7-104.7). This bill does not create new policy or affect voters; it solely provides financial support for an existing legal mandate. The funding will be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.